"New Start, New Future", Nu Start was established to support children and young people at times of risk, instability and transition, where standard approaches are no longer sufficient. We work alongside Local Authorities and partner agencies to deliver calm, structured and proportionate support that strengthens safeguarding, reduces escalation and creates the conditions for safe, sustainable progress.
Nu Start provides children’s homes, specialist support and crisis intervention services for children and young people at times of risk, instability and transition. We work alongside Local Authorities to stabilise situations, reduce escalation and support safe, positive outcomes.
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Safeguarding sits at the centre of everything we do. We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, particularly at times of heightened risk, instability or crisis.
Attention to detail is essential when working with children and young people who have experienced trauma, instability or multiple placements. We take risk assessment, safeguarding and planning seriously to ensure decisions are defensible and in the child’s best interests.
We recognise our responsibility to children, Local Authorities and the public. Our work is delivered with clear oversight, professional boundaries and accountability for both decisions and outcomes.
We respond quickly and proportionately to changing situations, recognising that risk and need can escalate rapidly. Our approach is flexible, informed and grounded in real-world practice.
We work openly with Local Authorities, professionals, children and families. Clear communication, shared understanding and honest dialogue are central to how we operate.
Our SMART framework — Safe, Meticulous, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent — provides a clear and consistent structure for how we assess, plan and respond when supporting children and young people at risk.
It brings together safeguarding, professional judgement and research-informed practice to support ethical, proportionate decision-making. The framework is applied across all services to guide assessment, intervention and review, particularly during periods of heightened risk, instability or crisis.
Our practice is shaped by frontline experience and ongoing research, including doctoral-level study into how children’s voices are understood and acted upon during high-risk and crisis decision-making within children’s services. This strengthens participation, improves safeguarding and supports clearer planning and more sustainable outcomes.
Our children’s homes provide safe, nurturing and structured environments for young people who have experienced trauma, loss, instability or disrupted care. We focus on creating predictable, supportive living spaces where children feel secure, understood and able to progress. Our approach prioritises safeguarding, emotional wellbeing, education, identity and preparation for adulthood.
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Our Crisis Intervention Services support children and young people experiencing significant emotional distress or crisis. We work to de-escalate situations, stabilise risk and support young people to regain control. Interventions are informed by research and professional judgement, with a clear focus on safeguarding, resilience and preventing further escalation.
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Nu Start One is a flexible, integrated support service for Local Authorities when arrangements are under pressure or additional capacity is required. The service is designed to stabilise risk, reduce escalation and create space for effective planning and decision-making. Support is tailored to the individual situation and can be adapted as needs and risks change.
Read MoreIf you would like to discuss a referral, please contact our referrals department on 077 42 42 71 71 or email referrals@nustart.org.uk